Francesco and Adele were walking hand in hand as man and wife down the aisle away from the altar towards the exit as the guests were offering their congratulations. Francesco had his arm protectively wrapped around her waist as they were slowly making their way towards the exit of the church building. The best man O'Neil as well as the bridesmaids Anna and Georgina were walking behind the newlywed couple. Costanzo, Arturo and Antonio were walking ahead.

As Francesco and Adele stepped outside confetti and rose petals were thrown at them. They looked at each other and smiled. Just in that moment they felt the flash of a camera. They looked forward and saw a photographer snapping subsequent pictures. Once the photographer was satisfied with the confetti shot, he shouted instructions for the close relatives to stand around waiting their turn to take pictures with the bride and groom.

While photos were taken, Francesco's posture didn't change. He was looking forward and holding Adele protectively as pictures were taken with different people. The bridesmaids and best men took pictures with the bride and groom. Then the Don and his wife. Then his sons stood around him alongside his daughter in laws.

As the Don and his sons were standing around the couple, Paulo Rosario was the one who ended up next to Francesco. Francesco's mother, Maria stood next to Adele. Adele was surprised to see Francesco didn't even tense up and there was no sign of protest about his father's presence next to him. His father was pushing his luck too by wrapping his arm around his son's shoulder. It felt like hours to Adele as the photographer gave instructions about how to stand and where to look. Adele was worried that a confrontation was bound to break out but Francesco reassured her by turning to her and kissing her from time to time whispering loving words to her making her know all that was on his mind was her.

Once the photographer was satisfied he shouted "Very good. Who are next to take pictures?"

Paulo stepped away from Francesco and just when Adele thought he was gone, he turned to Francesco " You walked fast past me at the church. I wanted to give you my wedding wish... I hope your first born child is a son like how mine is."

Francesco didn't respond. He wanted to say he was no son of his. Fathers weren't meant to hurt their sons. The irony in his father's words made Francesco laugh. He shook his head "How thoughtful of you?" He then turned to his mother who was looking at the couple with emotional eyes. He spoke softly to his mother "Doesn't Adele look beautiful?"

Maria nodded as she smiled while tears were escaping her eyes. They were tears of joy of course. "She does look beautiful."

To Adele, Francesco's mother looked so elegant. Her smile resembled Francesco's very much. Francesco may have inherited his father's eyes but he had his mother's smile.

Adele spoke "Thank you for the necklace. It is very kind of you. I really love it."

Maria spoke as she looked kindly at Adele "I am so honoured you decided to accept it and wear it on your wedding day." She then looked up at her son "I wish you and Adele joyful days and a truly happy marriage alongside each other."

Francesco thought to himself "Joyful days that you didn't have." Of course his father had wished him what he had and his mother had wished him what she, herself never had. Even there was contrast in their wedding wishes.

Francesco turned and saw his father standing there staring at his wife "He can achieve anything Maria. I taught him."

Francesco thought to himself. "Of course. The son you raised was taught how not to treat his woman and his children. I want to see you drop dead in a grave."

Just then, his uncle Pietro came and asked Paulo to come with Maria for a separate photoshoot with the Don.

The next group of people took pictures with the bride and the groom. They were then replaced for another group. After all the pictures finished, it was time for the couple to make their way to the Don's mansion for the reception. The long line of black cars with tinted windows were waiting for the couple and the guests meters away from the church.

Adele and Francesco got into the same car Adele came with to the church. It was decorated with green and white ribbons as well as roses. They sat in the back seat and O'Neil sat at the front while Arturo sat in the driver's seat.

As they drove away of course O'Neil stated " You two, in the back seat put your seat belts on and get comfortable. We would be on the road for a while. As you know Arturo may get us lost in town. Also you would never know what or whom we may hit on our way."

Arturo ignored his comment and spoke " So Francesco, are you going back to the United States tomorrow morning for sure? Are you not coming to Milan for any parties?"

O'Neil turned to Arturo "Seriously? You expect him to spend his honeymoon in Milan when he can go to Los Angeles? I think the answer is obvious."

Francesco sighed "Thank you for the invitation Arturo. I will sure drop by in future at some point but I always planned my honeymoon to be in Los Angeles. Milan is a fine town too but not the place what I dreamt of spending my honey moon."

Arturo raised an eyebrow "Really? What does Los Angeles have that Milan doesn't?"

Francesco stated "Adele was born in Los Angeles. It's the city of dreams for me."

Arturo sighed "Of course. Hollywood. Anna loves California too. She says it's the part of America that is the heart of the American dream. I see nothing special in California."

Francesco asked "So where is special to you Arturo?"

Arturo spoke "Milan..."

O'Neil spoke " I hate Milan. The locals are hostile."

Arturo spoke "Of course, you would say that. By the locals, you mean the Marcianos? Well, you shouldn't have insulted them so much the last time you met them. I don't blame them for banning you from their territories around the country. Your insulting remarks were especially not appreciated by them."

O'Neil crossed his arms over his chest "Point taken. But it's not my fault your people are sensitive."

Arturo questioned " My people?"

O'Neil spoke " German-Italians. Agostinis and Marcianos are way too sensitive over their families and can't take no jokes. Lets hope the next generation is different."

Arturo spoke " Lets hope your people change too when time for the second generation comes. Let me think. Your children would be Irish-Italian-American. What a combination of traits? Lets hope your kids don't inherit anything from you. How you managed to get yourself invited to an Italian wedding after being so ignorant of traditions is beyond me... I don't think anyone can endure another generation of your kind."

O'Neil spoke " Don't worry. You live in Milan. I would be in New York. The odds of us meeting would be small unless for business and occasional parties. Well, that is the case unless ... our kids fall for each other. Imagine if my daughter fell for your son...."

Arturo stated "Enough O'Neil. Your kind and mine would never mix."

O'Neil laughed " Anything is possible. Anna said she will never marry you but she said yes. Didn't she. Don't underestimate the power of love."

Francesco couldn't help but laugh at the priceless expression on Arturo's face. He was clutching the wheel and contemplating what to say back. Francesco was certain Arturo was being so civilised out of respect for Adele. He surely couldn't say anything colourful in front of a lady like Adele who was Francesco's.

Arturo spoke in a low tone " If this is your state before drinking, I can't imagine your words after you get yourself drunk on champagne. You sound drunk already O'Neil. Power of love? Have you been drinking this morning?"

O'Neil spoke innocently "Just water."

Adele was looking outside the window while the exchange was happening between the men. People were standing around the road and holding flowers, throwing confetti and sweets at the cars as they were standing under the shades of olive trees. This place was indeed magical. Adele raised an eyebrow as she saw a crowd of children on the way who threw mesh bags at the car. She shivered at the thought of what they represented. She had been to some Italian weddings in America before and she had been asked to throw mesh bags at the cars when she was a child. She knew what they were.

The mesh bags contained nuts and grains with chocolate covered almonds. The children threw them at the newly weds car as tradition to encourage them to conceive children. She was more excited than fearful about the concept of children. It just felt right. After exiting the church, she felt like, she fully belonged to Francesco. She had no idea saying her wedding vows was going to make that much difference to her outlook but it did. It felt right. Her relationship with Francesco felt complete. Now they were husband and wife.

Francesco whispered to Adele as he tightly still had his arm around her waist " Are you alright sweetheart? How do you feel?"

Adele turned to Francesco "I am alright. I feel so ... relieved."

Francesco smiled knowingly "I know. I could tell your were shaking in the church. After the vows were said, you became relaxed. The serious part is over. Now it is party time."

Adele nodded " How come you weren't nervous at the church? How do you do it?"

Francesco spoke "How do you know I wasn't?"

Adele spoke "If you were, you hid it so well. You hide your emotions so well."

Just then the car stopped in front of the mansion. Arturo and O'Neil got off the car.

Francesco looked in the direction of his father who was standing outside next to the Don and stated " I was taught how to hide my feelings."

Adele sighed. She wished she hadn't brought it up. Obviously Paulo Roasario was involved.

Francesco got off the car first and then helped Adele get off the car.

All was in motion for the wedding reception at the Don's property. Adele and Francesco were again showered with rice and paper confetti as the photographer took more pictures. For some reason the photographer loved to snap pictures when confetti was in the air. As more pictures were taken while Francesco and Adele made their way to the wedding reception inside, doves were freed into the air as the crowd of guests were clapping and cheering. The doves symbolised love and happiness.

The photographer asked to take Adele and Francesco a few meters away from the mansion and take individual photographs of them as the guests were served drinks while they were standing watching the couple. They then toasted their red wines to the bride and groom's health.

Adele and Francesco finally managed to go inside and let their party to begin. The Don's great hall which was reserved for his business gatherings was transformed to an amazing wedding reception. There were tables in one half of the hall and the rest was just dancing area with a band playing.

Adele gasped "Is that Amaranta?"

Francesco smiled as he held a chair out for Adele to sit at their table "Yes. She wanted to sing tonight. She is an amazing singer. A great opera singer especially."

As Adele and Francesco sat down, the guests all took their designated places too. The Don then officially opened the party by raising his glass. Then the guests were served cocktails for an hour as dancing and music was making the atmosphere energetic. Food was brought in too alongside cocktails. There were dishes stuffed with antipasto with stuffed mushrooms, olives, salami, pickled peppers, calamari, pasta, salads, soups, barbecued meat and a variety of sea food.

Adele and Francesco were at the same table as Sancia and O'Neil. They were quite good together. Adele saw a completely different side to Sancia. She was much different when her husband was around. She was much softer and kinder.

As the guests were served refreshments, the dance floor became empty and O'Neil stated "It is time for you two to have your first dance. Come on. Amaranta told me she would sing until you have your first dance. Then it would be Italian folk music from that point and she will join Costanzo at his table. I think your first dance with an opera song is matching. She would do any request for the song so come on."

Francesco looked at Adele. He held her hand in his and spoke "Sweetheart, do you want to dance? You don't have to if you don't want to."

Adele smiled "I would love to dance ... with my husband."

Francesco smiled brightly and kissed her lips "Oh, I want to dance with my wife too. It would be our first dance as a married couple. The first of many."

Francesco then stood up and held Adele's hand. As Adele stood up, it was as thought the guests were waiting for their first dance. They started clapping and cheering really loudly making Adele blush.

Adele and Francesco made their way to the dance floor and faced each other as the new song played and they danced slowly to Amaranta's song.

Francesco whispered "I just want this moment to last forever. Me holding you and you holding me."

Adele smiled "It will always be this way. We would be holding each other for eternity."

Francesco spoke "You know I must admit, I was so afraid in that church when I was waiting for you. i was afraid you will not come. I thought you will have second thoughts...."

Adele frowned "Why would you doubt me? I take marriage very seriously. I was never confident that I was fully ready for it. But who is? I know the pillars of our marriage is strong enough to stand for years and years. We will make it even stronger with our love."

Francesco smiled " I know our marriage becomes stronger. When we have children it does become stronger also."

They kissed each other and for once they didn't have to worry about what the Don felt. They were husband and wife. They were allowed to kiss in public. The guests even encouraged them when they kissed. They clapped and cheered in the room. The guests then joined the bride and groom as they danced to Italian falk music alongside the couple.

As Adele was dancing with Francesco she saw Costanzo and Amaranta dancing. Angelo was there too dancing with one of the Italian girls. O'Neil and Sanica were also dancing alongside Antonio and Georgina. Anna and Arturo were keeping their distance at the other side of dance floor. The way Arturo danced with Anna just showed his possessiveness. It was as though he didn't want anyone else near them. They were in a more isolated part of the dance floor.

Then there was a break in dancing and bride and groom sat down. There was more food, dance and music. But then finally the time came for speeches.

As the room went quiet and O'Neils stood up, Francesco wanted to almost laugh. The expressions on the people's faces was just so funny. They were looking at O'Neil with narrowed eyes as though waiting for him to disrespect them so they could have an excuse to kick him out. The Don was looking at O'Neil with displeasure. He never liked O'Neil as Francesco's best man. He had made it clear.

O'Neil stood tall with his cocky smile "Ladies and gentleman, most of you must know me. I am Emanuelle O'Neil. I happen to be Francesco's best man. This has been an honour standing behind a man that I admire so much. He was my best man at my wedding and I became his. Without him I may have missed my own wedding since someone played a prank on me but I will make that culprit pay but that's beside the point." He was directly looking at Arturo at that point which earned him a chuckle from Arturo.

O'Neil then continued "Francesco managed to help me out when I needed it just like always. All I want to say is that Francesco is not a man to back out from anything. He would honour his word and he will fight to death for those he loves. We have that trait in common. I am so honoured to be standing here and talking about Francesco. I owe him my life and much more." He then raised his champagne "May I ask all of you honourable guests to hold your champagne glasses up."

As the guests held up their glasses, he spoke " I would like to make a toast to Francesco and Adele, the newly wed couple. I wish to toast to this couple whom nothing and no one came between them. Years of separation certainly did not change their love for each other." O'Neil was directly looking at Paulo Rosario and gave him a hard look. He then looked directly warmly at Adele and Francesco "I drink to Francesco and Adele. They followed their American dream, they retained their free will and achieved their dreams. To Adele and Francesco." He then drank from his glass and so did the guests.

Then O'Neil spoke his final words "I just hope I would become tied by blood to Francesco's family one day... through marriage. That would be my dream."

Francesco choked on his champagne and looked at O'Neil as he sat down "That line was unnecessary."

O'Neils spoke "I only speak the truth."

Francesco turned to Adele "When would you like to cut the cake. It is from one of the bakeries here that is owned by my aunt Patricia."

Adele nodded " Now would be good. I definitely need some desert with all this food and the cocktails."

Adele and Francesco stood up and walked to the cake stand as the guests cheered knowing what was to come. They cut the cake together as the photographer snapped multiple pictures of them. Once the cake was served with tea and coffee, Francesco turned to Adele " What do you say if we retire early from this party. The reception will go on until the early hours of morning. I think we should go now."

Adele smiled "Today has been perfect. I definitely feel like we have had the perfect wedding. I am ready to go anywhere with you."

Francesco held her hand and the couple stood up walking to the exit as the photographer asked "Sir, where are you going?"

Francesco sounded annoyed "To bed."

The photographer spoke "Sir, could your lady throw the bouquet of flowers at the door. I will get the girls."

Francesco nodded. Photographer quickly shouted to gather all the single girls in a line behind Adele. She had completely forgotten about this tradition. Adele closed her eyes and threw the bouquet behind her. She then quickly turned around and saw Anna with the bouquet of flowers in her hand. She then laughed as she saw Antonio was loudly arguing with Arturo about why he had blocked Georgina.

Adele smiled and walked outside with Francesco only to be stopped by Sofia, Pietro's pregnant wife.

Sofia blocked them with a vase in her hand.

Sofia insisted " Adele, break this vase."

Adele questioned "why?"

Sofia spoke " All newlyweds do that. You must shatter a wine glass or vase. The broken pieces will be counted. This would represent the number of years you will be married happily."

Adele spoke " Can't we not do this. It is such a nice vase. I can't break it."

Francesco took away the vase from Sofia " We will take it with us and decide if we want to break it. Good night aunt Sofia." He then grabbed Adele's hand and side stepped his aunt leading Adele to the exit. He couldn't wait to leave the party and start his married life with his beloved. A vase was nothing to him.

Suddenly Sofia shouted "Ow. It's coming. The baby is coming." Adele and Francesco turned to look at Sofia who was bent forward rubbing her stomach as guards shouted for Pietro.

Francesco whispered "Lets go."

Adele spoke "Wait. is she ok? I can help."

Then Angelo, Anna and